Fantasize about sipping mai tais on a seaside cliff or rubbing elbows with society’s elite? A few hours in a glamorous (and open to the public) hotel bar may do the trick. From sky high rooftops to Hawaiian beaches, here are a few hotel bars that will leave you open-mouthed and starry eyed.
1. The Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan — Las Vegas, Nevada
Dreamed of sipping cocktails while surrounded by a sea of glittering jewels? Find your bliss at The Chandelier. Housed in one of the Vegas Strip’s most luxurious hotels, this three-level bar and lounge is encased by about 2 million crystal strands, which drape from ceiling to floor to make you feel as if you’re partying from within a, well, chandelier. Signature cocktails include The Infinite Playlist, a twist on the Old Fashioned, and the Verbena, a sweet and spicy combo of lemon and ginger.
2. The Carousel Bar and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone — New Orleans, Louisiana
Visiting New Orleans always feels like a trip back in time, but this French Quarter bar may literally make you feel like a kid again. An elegant and ornate carousel takes center stage here, seating 25 patrons and making a full rotation every 15 minutes. While you sip your Mint Julep or French 007, listen to the bar’s live jazz entertainment.
3. The Top of the Standard at The Standard High Line Hotel — New York City, New York
It’s hard to compete with the rooftop views of New York City and the Hudson River at this Meatpacking District hotel. While the pastels of sunset and sparkling lights of night are both magical views, you can also sip a bloody mary or mimosa with your Sunday brunch here. Of course, part of the appeal is the exclusivity and celebs you may spot while hanging here.
4. Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort and Spa — Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia
Soak in the sunset at this open-air bar in Bali, Indonesia. It was built 45 feet above the bay atop a natural rock formation and is only accessible via an inclinator that traverses the cliff. Sunset is the busiest time for the bar (with the best view), though the night is just as breathtaking. What better backdrop for tropical drinks like a Lychee Martini or Ayana Passion.
5. House Without A Key at Halekulani — Honolulu, Hawaii
While House Without A Key in Waikiki serves everything from breakfast to cocktails and dinner at its indoor/outdoor restaurant, it’s a truly romantic place for an evening drink. Sit beneath the 100-year-old Kiawe tree, sip the hotel’s signature mai tai and hear the peaceful melodies of Hawaiian music playing. Every evening, the live music is accompanied by dancing from some of the island’s most talented women.
6. Lobby Bar at the Alvear Palace Hotel — Buenos Aires, Argentina
When palace is in the name, you know you’re in for a treat. This bar has been host to diplomats, business men and the well-to-do of Buenos Aires society since its opening in 1932. The history and majesty remains today, with rich wood, vivid reds and white-gloved butlers bustling about.
7. Sky Bar at Lebua at State Tower — Bangkok, Thailand
As one of the highest rooftop bars in the entire world, you are almost guaranteed views of a lifetime at this modern bar. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t think about the fact that you are 820 feet above the city, and instead sidle up to the brightly lit island of a bar at the center of the space. Mixologists have put together fun drinks like Poptails (cocktail + popsicle — perfect for the summer) and a Hangovertini, named for the cast of The Hangover 2, partially filmed at the hotel.
8. O2 Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton — Moscow, Russia
At the top of this world famous hotel, you’ll find the chic and sophisticated O2 Lounge. While nibbling on caviar and sipping vodka, you can’t miss the views of Russian landmarks like the Kremlin and the Red Square. One of the space’s most exciting features is the light fixture made of more than 950 brass rods with individual LED lights attached.
9. Icebar at the Icehotel — Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Almost everything about the Icehotel is to die for. If you’re brave enough to travel that close to the Arctic Circle, you can experience the artistry needed to create the hotel and a truly unique atmosphere. Your cocktail or champagne will come in a glass made of, you guessed it, ice and you can dance on a floor made of snow. The bar gets a new look every year depending on the artist responsible.
10. La Purificadora — Puebla, Mexico
What was once a factory was redesigned by one of Mexico’s greatest architects using only the colors black and white. Like any of the best rooftop bars, this one has a view not to be missed, plus something special. You can see, and hop, into the pool, which surrounds the bar’s perimeter.
11. The Library Lounge at the B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa — Zurich, Switzerland
A book (and wine) lover’s paradise is in the heart of this Zurich hotel. The walls, or shelves, are stacked high with a collection of 33,000 books. You’ll find guests casually attending to business on their computers and enjoying drinks with their friends in this space. Servers will bring snacks (like aged Swiss cheese) as well as regional wines and beers to the table at any time.
This post was posted by Fiona Moriarty on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on June 16, 2015
